Chunky Monkey Protein Banana Bread Gluten Free

If you're looking for a high protein banana bread recipe that is as equally delicious as it is good for you, then you have to try this Chunky Monkey Protein Banana Bread recipe! Made with simple ingredients like paleo baking flour, overripe bananas, your favorite protein powder, rich chocolate chunks & crunchy walnuts. It's a healthy snack you'll be excited to eat the next time you're craving banana bread but want to try something a little different.

Making protein powder banana bread is just as easy and delicious as traditional banana bread. In fact, my recipe uses a lot of the same ingredients but just adds a scoop of protein powder so it's super easy & convenient to make. I love making gluten free banana bread for breakfast, but it also makes a delicious, healthy treat for the days where your sweet tooth won't quit but you've got health & fitness goals that are important to you.

If you like banana bread, you might also enjoy trying this Paleo Double Chocolate Banana Bread recipe. Sometimes I'll make it a chocolate protein banana bread by adding a scoop of chocolate protein powder into the flour mixture when my chocolate cravings are calling. Or, if you're a Chunky Monkey fan, then these giant Chunky Monkey Protein Cookies will be your new favorite dessert!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• It is protein packed. With around 9 grams of protein per slice, it's the perfect way to enjoy delicious banana bread while still moving the needle forward towards your protein intake goals.

• It is moist & flavorful. If you love perfectly moist banana bread that is loaded with flavor & crunch, you will love this recipe!

• It is better for you. Made with grain free flour it is also refined sugar free & dairy free so it is the perfect high-protein banana bread for those looking to choose recipes made with better ingredients.

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Chunky Monkey Protein Banana Bread Ingredients & Tested Substitutions

Paleo Flour Blend. I love using Bob's Red Mill Paleo Flour in my gluten free baking recipes. It is a blend of almond flour, coconut flour, arrowroot starch & tapioca flour that makes paleo baking so much easier & more affordable than buying several different flours to have on hand. You can also substitute this with a gluten free all purpose flour like Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1:1 flour if you prefer.

Protein Powder. I used vanilla protein powder but you may use an unflavored protein powder if you prefer. You can check out this post to learn more about easy to digest protein powders if you don't already have one that you love. I personally love to use Equip Foods Prime Protein beef isolate protein powder but if you need a plant-based protein powder option, TumLove brown rice & pea protein blend is excellent. If you do not need an easy to digest protein powder, whey protein powder will work just fine.

Eggs. Two large room temperature eggs are needed. Alternatively, you may use flax eggs for a vegan option.

Ripe Bananas. Overripe bananas will give you the best results if you're hoping for an extra moist banana bread, however just ripe bananas are easier to digest so if that is a concern for you then opt for just ripe.

Real Maple Syrup. This is a refined sugar free alternative to brown sugar & also contributes to the moist crumb of the banana bread. Do not use pancake syrup! You can substitute this with coconut sugar if you like but I find that maple syrup leads to a better texture.

Non-Dairy Milk. My preference is almond milk but oat milk or soy milk will work well too. If you are not dairy free, regular milk is also perfectly fine to use.

Dark Chocolate Squares. I love using Hu Kitchen Dark Chocolate Gems but you can also use a high quality chocolate bar.

Walnuts.

Vanilla Extract.

​Ground Cinnamon.

Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Salt. 

Chunky Monkey Protein Banana Bread Step by Step Instructions

1. Prepare the pan. Prepare a loaf pan by giving it a gently spritz with pan spray & place a sheet of parchment paper inside to line the pan. Secure the sides with binder clips to help the parchment stay in place.

2. Mix the wet ingredients. Add bananas, eggs, maple syrup, milk & vanilla to a large mixing bowl, whisking with a fork to beat the eggs, then gently mashing into the banana. For this recipe, I left the mashed bananas rather chunky, but you can mash them completely if you prefer.

3. Mix the dry ingredients. In a small mixing bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients & whisk to combine. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet, folding gently using a silicone spatula until fully combined.

4. Add mix ins. Fold in chopped chocolate & walnuts gently using you silicone spatula. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan & smooth over the top with the back of the spatula. Garnish the top of the banana bread with extra chocolate chips if desired. 

5. Bake. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Serve immediately or store in the fridge in an airtight container up to 5 days.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Substitute the vanilla protein powder for chocolate protein powder for a double chocolate Chunky Monkey protein banana bread.

• Drizzle peanut butter or almond butter on top of the bread for a dose of healthy fats

• Instead of using a loaf pan, make protein banana muffins by scooping the batter into lined muffin tins

• Omit the walnuts if you'd like to enjoy a simple chocolate chip banana bread

If You Liked This Recipe You Might Also Enjoy:

Blueberry Protein Muffins

Chunky Monkey Protein Cookies

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

4 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Double Chocolate Protein Cookies

3 Ingredient Double Chocolate Protein Mug Cake

Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!